Germany launches national OLED research project

LONDON  Germany's BMBF (Federal Ministry of Education and Research) is providing support for a 14.7 million euro (about $21 million) project called So-Light, intended to accelerate the application of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) for lighting and signage.

Eleven German companies and research institutes are set to work together over the next three years on signage and special lighting applications based on OLED technology, according to Novaled AG.

The project partners will work on materials, optical technologies for light guiding, and continue to develop process technologies for small molecule OLEDs.

An important part of the project work is to perform application studies using demonstrators in the field and the work on integrating technologies for special application areas such as automotive, architecture and backlighting for large displays, said Novaled.

OLEDs are highly energy efficient and generate very little heat they are considered a promising alternative for present-day lighting.

"Europe is not only a pioneer when it comes to energy efficiency and in preserving the environment, but also in product design. The ban on incandescent light bulbs and the need for energy-efficient and innovative light sources puts new technologies in the spotlight. Therefore OLEDs and their near-term introduction to the lighting market will be of major importance," said Jan Blochwitz-Nimoth, project leader of So-light and chief scientific officer at Novaled, in a statement.